Scouse Down Under

I am playing FM 2008 and I'm having a shocking season, sitting 10th in the league just before Christmas in my first season.

For whatever reason, my team just can't produce results.

It is not my players, as I have some of the best in the league.

My starting XI most weeks would be: Reina, Finnan, Riise, Carragher, Agger, Belluschi, Alonso, Gerrard, Kewell, Crouch, Torres.

I have tried so many different formations, tactics, and team selections but just cannot find any consistency with any of them.

Usually I select my team dependent on overall skill and their condition. Is there anything else I should take into account, such as form, etc?

Formation I have been playing a flat 4-4-2 using the CBs as sweepers, 2 wing backs, 2 wingers, an attacking and defensive midfielder, and Crouch as a target man. Can anyone recommend something different that might bring my team success?

Finally, my tactics I have changed so many times this season it's ridiculous. But a style I used for a while was:
Attacking mentality
Much creative freedom
Short passing style
Slow tempo
Width: Wide
Rarely closing down
Often time wasting
Deep defensive line
Hard tackling
Focus passing down both flanks
Zonal marking
Target man supply to head
Use target man
Use playmaker
Counter attack

Ok sorry I know this is really long but when you're 10th in the league with Liverpool desperation sets in. If anyone has formation, tactics, selection advice that guarantees success, drop me a line!